Principle 4

An effective board will provide good governance and leadership by exercising appropriate control.

As the accountable body, the board will maintain and regularly review the organisation’s system of internal controls, performance, and policies and procedures, to ensure that:

The organisation understands and complies with all legal and regulatory requirements that apply to it.

The organisation has appropriate up to date internal financial and management controls.

It regularly identifies and reviews the major risks to which the organisation is exposed and has systems to manage those risks.

Delegation to committees, staff and volunteers (as applicable) works effectively and the use of delegated authority is properly supervised.

Proper arrangements are in place for the recruitment, supervision, support, appraisal and remuneration of all staff including the most senior member of staff.

Volunteers are managed and supported.

Good practice/behaviours

Regular and scheduled review of policies to ensure they are appropriate and up to date to reflect the needs of the organisation, good practice and relevant legislation.

Financial and management controls documented. Reviewed regularly and training provided to relevant people (board/executive committee) so that they understand their responsibility in relation to these controls.

Putting in place a comprehensive place a comprehensive risk register to identify and mitigate any risks which is reviewed at regular intervals throughout the year by relevant committee.

Terms of reference clearly defined for committees, sub committees etc. and reviewed on a regular basis to ensure relevance. Terms of reference for sub committees should also be time bound where relevant.

Recruitment of staff/ voluntary committee members is carried out through a structured recruitment process which is open and transparent.

Support or training is provided to committee members so that they understand their role and what is required of them.

New committee members are given a settling in period to ensure both parties are happy with the appointment and are also provided with clear role descriptors.